Pick of the Week: New York in Bloom starts today

New York in Bloom at the State Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary from Friday through Sunday (yes, the museum will be open next Sunday) with more than 100 floral arrangements created by designers, garden club members and flower enthusiasts. The event offers demonstrations and children’s activities as a benefit for after-school programs for children and teens from Albany’s urban neighborhoods. Also, beginning Saturday, jewels, gems, fossils and minerals, and lapidary equipment, hobby publications and more will be on sale at the 18th annual James Campbell Memorial Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show and Sale. Vendors from across the Northeast will be in town to display and sell their wares. Proceeds from the sale will be used to acquire new acquisitions for the museum’s gem and mineral collection. Gem show: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $6, includes admission to New York in Bloom. New York in Bloom: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Feb. 27. $5 Friday. $6 Saturday, Sunday. Free for children under 12. State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., Albany. 474-5877; http://www.nysm.nysed.gov